CURLEY Magazine Winter 2016

CURLEY Winter 2016

A Magazine for Alumni, Parents and Friends

Curley Participates in Pope’s Philadelphia Mass

CURLEY Winter 2016

CURLEY is published through the Office of Advancement for Alumni, Parents and Friends of Archbishop Curley High School 3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore, MD 21213 410-485-5000 • Fax: 410-485-1090 www.archbishopcurley.org

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President Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70 Vice President for Advancement Barry Stitz ’87 Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Jeremy Joseph ’96

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Assistant Director of Advancement Greg Malanowski ’70 Director of Alumni Rafe Park ’06 Administrative Assistant Layout and Design Maureen Roche Contributing Photographer Greg Malanowski ’70 Office Hours 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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Mission Statement of Archbishop Curley High School Archbishop Curley High School, a Roman Catholic college preparatory school rooted in the Franciscan tradition, develops great men. With the support of the entire Archbishop Curley Family, each Curley Man is challenged to reach his maximum academic and personal potential in a safe and nurturing environment leading him to be a man of faith, character, discipline and service to others.

On the Cover Fr. Matt Foley, OFM Conv. led 40 students to the Papal Mass in Philadelphia in September.

Please send comments to the address above or alumni@archbishopcurley.org

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Features

Departments

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Alumni Profile: Steve Szymanski ’01

By Barry Stitz ’87

10 Finding Francis

By Jeremy Joseph ’96 &

Greg Malanowski ’70

12 Preserving the Past

By Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70

14 1st Inductees to the Athletic Hall of Fame

Curley Currents

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Advancement Notes

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Friars’ Perspective

16 Alumni News 18 Sports Shorts

From the President

Dear Alumni and Friends of Curley: The first semester of this school year unfolded in many wonderful ways, and I hope you enjoy some of the articles and pictures that capture those events over these months. With the theme of “Finding Francis at Curley,” the stage was set to both promote the school’s unique Franciscan traditions, and to celebrate the visit of Pope Francis to the United States.

As I have enjoyed sharing some of that tradition with Curley’s new students and families, I was also continually reminded of what our tradition means by the visits of alumni throughout the fall. Some simply visit when they are back in Baltimore, or they are in the vicinity on a particular day. Large numbers, of course, came for events like Homecoming, Career Day and Reunion Night, and help all to know the tradition is thriving.

I would like to ask the many readers of CURLEY, but especially the alumni, to reflect on how they found “Francis at Curley.” It is true that not everything was worded in the same way in the past as the school expresses things today, like “Where Brotherhood Begins,” but I think the underlying spirit has been consistent. Today we also speak of five Franciscan ideals for which students are asked to strive, and then continue to live as alumni, namely: Strong Community Relations; Outreach to the Marginalized; Concern for the Environment; Peaceful Resolution of Conflict; and Dedication to Christ in the Church. Did you find these here? Perhaps more importantly, did you find something here that has you striving to live these ideals in your life today? I would appreciate hearing some examples of how you are carrying Curley lessons into your life and work. Please consider sending them to me (in whatever way is most convenient).

As we move forward with both the routine and the special events of a school year, I hope you feel connected to Curley through this magazine and through the many digital postings between the times you can visit. Your support continues to help Curley prosper, and each year makes this Franciscan education possible for a new class of students from throughout metropolitan Baltimore. The Franciscan spirit and education unites us over the passage of years, and it makes me—as I am confident it makes you—very grateful for our many brothers and sisters in the Curley Family.

May 2016 be a year of steady growth and progress for Curley, and may the Lord’s peace be in your heart throughout this year.

Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70 President

Especially for the Curley Family: Pilgrimage Tour of Italy During the Holy Year of Mercy Oct 31 – Nov 11, 2016 with Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv.

Visit Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi, Padua, Siena, Sorrento and more!

Land tour: $2,958 based on double-occupancy.

Includes guided travel throughout Italy, tours, admissions, Mass in significant churches, and many meals.

For a brochure with full details or any questions contact Fr. Donald (dgrzymski@archbishopcurley.org).

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CURLEYcurrents +

Fr. Linus DeSantis, OFM Conv.

Morning Prayer

On December 1, 2015, former principal Fr. Linus DeSantis, OFM Conv. died following a heart attack. He fell ill while celebrating Mass the prior day at Syracuse University, where he served as campus minister. As a teaching friar, Fr. Linus taught English at Curley during the 1966-67 school year. He was ordained a priest in 1971 and returned to Curley in 1976 as assistant principal. He served as principal from 1979-1981. Fr. Linus was 72 years old. A funeral Mass was celebrated in Syracuse, New York, before Fr. Linus was brought back to his native Baltimore for a memorial Mass and burial.

The Student Body, Faculty and Staff gather seven times a year to celebrate the Liturgy of the Mass and three times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This year, students also regularly report to the auditorium for homeroom and a brief morning prayer service. This special prayer opportunity usually coincides with a special day (like Veterans Day) or the day when the church remembers a Franciscan Saint or event (i.e. the Stigmata of St. Francis.) Students and faculty share in leading the prayers. This has become a welcome way to start the day with a special prayer and highlight important themes in the life of the Curley Family.

Blackfriars’ Theatre Presents . . .

This November, Blackfriars’ Theatre presented Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

The cast included: Trevor Bandoch, Veronica Woodring, Nick McRae, Cami Zahnen, Noah Bahur, Wyatt Peters, Kevin Johnson, Shawn Thompson, Catherine Tirschman, Ian Moore, and Alex Caporale. The spring musical for 2016 will be Godspell, to be performed on the weekend of March 11-13.

Career Day On November 18th, Curley celebrated Career Day by inviting alumni back to school to share their stories and stoke the career dreams of current students. The keynote speaker was Moke Wolfe ’87, a Senior Vice President for Commercial Banking with Wells Fargo. After his address, the students went to the classrooms where alumni presenters were waiting for them.

Prior to Career Day, students had chosen two sessions that most interested them. After the two classroom sessions, students returned to the auditorium for a panel discussion with Mike Remeikis ’14 and Charles Jackson ’02 about what college was like and how best to prepare for college while at Curley. The panelists entertained questions for about twenty minutes.

Mr. Rafe Park ’06, Director of Alumni, and the Guidance Office organized the day.

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Franciscan Educators Workshop Every year, faculty from St. Francis High School in Buffalo, New York and Archbishop Curley High School meet to discuss how to make St. Francis and the Franciscan Tradition come alive in the two schools in which the Friars teach. This year, Fr. Donald Grzymski ’70, Mr. Brian Kohler, Mr. Tyler Cuomo ’08 and Mr. Rafe Park ’06 made the journey to Buffalo for the two-day workshop. They met with their counterparts from St. Francis High School, listening to and discussing talks on Francis, Clare and elements of the Franciscan Tradition.

CURLEYcurrents

Honors Convocation On September 30th, parents and students of the classes of 2016, 2017 and 2018 gathered in the Curley Auditorium for an Academic Honors Convocation. This gathering recognized the academic achievements of students in the fourth quarter of last year and for the entire 2014-15 school year.

Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv. ’70, President of Curley, opened the assembly with a prayer and words of welcome. Mr. Zach Dziedzic, Assistant Principal for Academics, introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr. Michael Lynch ’99.

Mr. Lynch is a ’03 graduate of Stevenson University and has been with the audit practice of the SC&H Group for ten years. He is married with a 10-month old daughter, and was recently promoted to partner. (Mr. Lynch is one of three brothers who attended Curley. His father, Jerry Lynch graduated in 1967. His mom, Terry, was the Administrative Assistant in the Advancement Office for twenty years.)

Mr. Lynch, using stories from his own journey, emphasized that opportunities are all around and that one never knows which opportunity may lead to something that will impact one’s life in a big way. He encouraged the students to look for those opportunities and seize them.

Following Mr. Lynch’s address, Fr. Donald, Mr. Kohler and Mr. Lynch presented and congratulated the award winners. First Honors, Second Honors and Principal’s List could be earned, based on the student’s GPA. Those students at the top of their respective classes received special awards.

Archbishop Curley Award (highest average for the year 2014-15) 2016: Zachary Kafka 2017: Thomas Holcomb 2018: Robert Commodari, William Draper, Dominic Owens, Robert Wolle (tie) Lawrence Cardinal Shehan Award (2nd highest average for the year 2014-15) 2016: Angelo Petruccy 2017: Brett Sutton, Joseph Massa, Matthew Scheffel, Michael Waugh, Robert Linz (tie) 2018: Jacob Stahl, Michael Klos

Memorial Mass In November the Church remembers the dead. In the same spirit, the Curley Alumni Association remembers the deceased of the Curley Family at the annual Alumni Memorial Mass. During this Mass the names of those who died in the past year, alumni, faculty and staff, are read aloud. The names of all those alumni who passed away are scrolled across the wall. Fr. Donald was the celebrant and homilist.

He reminded all that we stand on the accomplishments of those who have gone before. Curley is Curley because of all those who spent time here.

Part of a TV Special Filmed at Curley Byron Pitts ’78, a journalist with ABC News, and Alicia Keys were at Curley in November to film a segment for Shining a Light: A Concert for Progress on Race in America. Byron and Alicia interviewed Shawn Fenner ’15 to underscore how Curley helped him re-direct his life in a positive direction. The production aired on the A&E Network in November.

Archbishop Keough Award (3rd highest average for the year 2014-15) 2016: Matthew Borowy 2017: Delondrae Carter 2018: Samuel Miller

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CURLEYcurrents

Open House Archbishop Curley Partners with Baltimore Tree Trust The Baltimore Tree Trust (BTT) is a nonprofit organization committed to restoring the city’s urban forest and making Baltimore a more healthy and beautiful place to live through increased tree plantings, tree stewardship, community engagement, public education, advocacy, and research. Collaborating with the city’s TreeBaltimore program, nonprofit partners, private landowners, city residents, and businesses, the BTT seeks to help restore Baltimore’s aging tree canopy During the summer Archbishop Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, entered into an agreement with the Baltimore Tree Trust. The agreement with the Archdiocese allows them to utilize the properties of the schools and parishes currently operating in the city to accomplish their mission. After several site visits and meetings, Archbishop Curley High School was chosen to participate in this process. On November 4th, the Baltimore Tree Trust planted 100 trees on Curley’s campus as the first phase of a two year project. Next fall the Trust will execute Phase 2 of the plan and plant an additional 100 trees on campus.

Mr. John Kogler, Vice President for Finance and Facilities, said: “This effort not only beautifies our campus, but also increases the number of trees in the City of Baltimore and offers our students the opportunity to get involved.”

The Trust welcomed student and teacher involvement. Those from the Trust not only showed students how to correctly plant a tree, but also discussed with them the role that trees can play in runoff and soil erosion as well as the importance for the environment of trees on properties like Curley. This project is fully funded through donations to the Trust, and the trees will be maintained by the Trust for the next two years.

“St. Francis called all of creation his brothers and sisters in his Canticle of the Creatures, which Pope Francis recently used in his encyclical on care for the environment, Laudato Si,” said Fr. Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv, ’70, President of Curley. “This project exemplifies one of the Franciscan Ideals of Curley, namely Concern for the Environment.”

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One of the big events of the fall is Curley’s Open House, which took place this year on Saturday and Sunday, October 17th and 18th. This is an opportunity to showcase the school to the community of prospective students and their parents.

These visitors are paired with a student, or a student and parent, for an extensive and personal tour of the school. The stories of our current students and parents are shared with prospective students and parents, highlighting the one-on-one approach that is characteristic of the Curley Family.

Teachers, staff and coaches are here to answer questions. Students in the band, drumline and choir perform; students in various labs demonstrate science experiments. Sons of alumni get special treatment at a reception for them and their families. Over 240 students attended this year’s Open House, which indicates a very successful effort, according to Nick Brownlee, ’96, Director of Admisssions.

“Parents of students and graduates, alumni and friends of Curley are powerful spokespersons in spreading the Curley story,” he says.

ADVANCEMNENTnotes

Give My Regards To…Curley Gala XXI

Annual Fund

This year’s annual Curley Gala dinner auction turns 21 this year and to celebrate we will head to Broadway. Under the title of Give My Regards To…Curley Gala XXI the event will again feature an abundance of silent auction items for one’s bidding pleasure and will include a premium table of high-end silent auction items. The plated dinner and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Atlantic Caterers, who enjoyed rave reviews last year. The night will be capped by the exciting live auction with all of the proceeds benefitting the young men of Curley. The school is grateful to this year’s chair couples – Linda and Rob Linz (Parents of RJ ’17), Tanya and John McDonnell (Parents of Liam ’16 and Aiden ’19), and Margaret and Steve Wolf ’78. Gratitude also goes out to the members of the decorating committee for their time and energy in preparing the space for a special night. Sincere thanks as well to the generous friends who are hosting gift-gathering parties to provide items for the auction.

We are grateful to the 750 donors who have contributed to the 2015-2016 Annual Fund through December 31st. Your contributions total roughly $165,000 and put us well on our way of achieving this year’s stated goal of raising $325,000. If you have not yet made a gift, please consider doing so. The financial challenge of Catholic education is real, but Curley is confident in the support of those who know the difference the school has made, and is making. In addition to the operating needs addressed by the Annual Fund, the school is in the process of upgrading the heating system, and that was not a budgeted project for this year.

Work began in early September to remove two non-functioning boilers and other nonoperating equipment to prepare the way for new boilers. The abatement/demolition and installation cost of one new boiler is $127,000. Your generous support will indeed make a difference to us.

Tickets are on sale now. Details of the event – as well as ways to contribute gifts for the auction – can be found at www.archbishopcurley.org/giving/gala.

Advancement Cabinet An Advancement Cabinet has been formed to support the school’s effort to engage the Baltimore-area business community. This group, which has been developed by the School Board’s Advancement Committee, consists of graduates and friends of the school who meet twice a year to provide feedback on the Advancement program and to build connections in the broader community. The Advancement Cabinet has four defined objectives: increasing corporate giving and sponsorships, advancing foundation support, enhancing mentor and internship programs, and establishing a model for partnership with business and higher education.

Did you know there are creative ways to support Archbishop Curley High School? Ways in which Curley, you and your loved ones all benefit at the same time?

TODAY

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Such giving techniques are called “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you and Curley. These gifts include bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable y Le g a c y S o ciet remainder unitrusts, charitable remainder annuity trusts, or For more detailed Leave your Legacy gifts of life insurance. information, please visit the Planned Giving page on our website at http://www.archbishopcurley.org/giving/donationtypes/plannedgiving

MJC

TOMORROW 7

JAG-STEVE SZYMANSKI ’01

By Barry Stitz ’87 an opportunity through the Army’s Educational Delay Program. “Basically, ROTC cadets from around the country can compete for a limited number of spots that allow them to delay their service obligation in order to attend law or medical school,” he explains. Good news followed as the Army Cadet Command chose Szymanski. Weary of the cold weather and now wanting a taste of a bigger university, he headed south to pursue a law degree from Florida State University.

Captain Steven Szymanski has a real appreciation for the adage, “God works in mysterious ways.” As a senior at Curley, Szymanski had his sights set on attending The United States Military Academy at West Point. Although he knew how competitive it was to get in, Szymanski was confident.

Unfortunately, he received a letter late during his senior year informing him that he had not been selected. He was devastated. “I had my heart set on West Point; I took the rejection very personally” Szymanski recalls.

The graduating senior needed to come up with another plan. He settled on attending the University of Maryland-College Park when he began receiving phone calls from various ROTC programs located around the country. Niagara University’s ROTC program showed a lot of interest in him and with a little pep talk from his Curley guidance counselor, Fr. Tom Walsh, Szymanski made the decision to head to upstate New York on a ROTC scholarship.

“Fr. Tom encouraged me to open myself up to the opportunity; that a smaller Catholic university, similar to Curley, may be a good fit,” he says.

At the time, Szymanski admits that Niagara seemed like a consolation prize when compared to West Point. But remember, “God works in mysterious ways.” He majored in political science and minored in military science and philosophy. Having accepted a four-year ROTC scholarship to attend college, Szymanski was obligated to a four-year service commitment following graduation. However, Szymanski pursued 8

special forces commanders on operation legal issues that their soldiers were facing in various military theaters. “I deployed overseas with these units and advised them on laws that pertained to armed conflict and the rules of engagement for the particular region in which we were operating. It was an incredible experience.”

Szymanski shares that the Army is very careful in making sure that soldiers are briefed on legal issues, which includes fighting enemies in a morally responsible way. “We pride ourselves on fighting according to the rules.” Adding, “I found commanders to be very supportive of conducting our battles in a way that is in accordance with domestic legal authority and the international law of armed conflict.”

After passing the Florida bar exam on his first attempt, Szymanski entered The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center & School (TJAGLCS) in Charlottesville, VA in February of 2009. He spent about six months taking the “initial course” to re-learn basic Soldier’s skills and military law before heading off to his first duty assignment as an Administrative Law Attorney at Fort Benning in Columbus, GA. “I spent a lot of time learning military regulations and procedural law. It was comparable to an entry level position at a law firm,” he adds.

This past July, Szymanski was selected to return to Charlottesville to be the Student Detachment Commander at TJAGLCS, one of five command positions in the JAG Corps. He now manages the entrance training program for all new Army Judge Advocates. He oversees the training and formulates a plan for three classes of 80-120 lawyers per year who may end up following in his footsteps. “I want to ensure that new lawyers are trained in the best possible way before they go out into the field to answer complex legal questions that our military commanders face,” he offers.

Szymanski’s next move came about a year and a half later when he was assigned a trial counsel position. He became a legal advisor to a number of units. “I was a one-stop, legal shop for the various unit commanders,” he states. “I would advise commanders on any area of the law.”

This ranged from regulations regarding ethics to the administrative separation of underperforming soldiers from the Army.

When necessary, Szymanski would represent command as a prosecutor at court martial.

Szymanski has grown to accept that “where the Army sends you” is out of his control.

He is happy that his current assignment allows for he and his wife, Becca, whom he married in 2014, to be closer to their families in Baltimore. His dad, Marion was a member of Curley’s first graduating class in 1965. “This is as close as I’ve been to home since high school.”

Still at Fort Benning, Szymanski would move upward again to the installation’s Senior Trial Counsel position where his main responsibilities were to supervise, train, and teach other trial counselors, while still trying the more serious cases at court-martial. In July of 2012, he was assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. As a Battalion Judge Advocate, he was now assisting a Special Forces Group that deployed to various parts of the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, namely Operation Enduring Freedom. As such, Szymanski was charged with advising

Although this may not have been the path he envisioned taking as a senior in high school, he couldn’t be more pleased with his path in life. “I love the sense of purpose and element of team associated with the military culture. I feel proud to be associated with classmates, like Justin Tester and Joe Robinson, who also answered the military’s call.” And as for West Point, “I tried my first case when I was 26. West Pointers are typically 32 or 33 by the time they can practice because they cannot enter the JAG Corp until after their first 4-year service obligation is completed,” says Szymanski. “I didn’t understand it at the time when I got that rejection letter, but there was an unseen path that awaited me. God does indeed work in mysterious ways.”

FRIARS’ PERSPECTIVE

Looking Back After 50 Years

By Brother Leonard Katusz, OFM Conv. ’66

Past, present, future. As I reflect on these three words at this particular time in my life, I realize that I have more past than I do future. Knowing this makes the present all that more important to me.

As I grew in my vocation as a Conventual Franciscan brother and in my avocation as a professional librarian over the years, I have come to realize how important words are, especially ones that are internalized.

I was one of the students entering Archbishop Curley High School in its second year of existence.

Back then Father Paul Kasprzak, OFM Conv. was the librarian. The library was basically a long room with tables and chairs

Brother Leonard was recently back at Curley for a gathering of Friars.

A 1966 graduate, he becomes a “Golden Friar” this year. He currently serves on the library staff of the Catholic University of America.

From 1994-1998, Brother Leonard was the librarian at Archbishop Curley High School.

and the wall lined with shelves on which there were books. How things have changed over the years. We have gone from books on the shelf to electronic books accessed on various devices. Even though the means to retrieve words have evolved, words themselves—especially ones that have been somehow mysteriously internalized—still remain important even to this day.

If I remember correctly Father Paul would call each of us students “a scholar” and “a gentleman.” Somehow these two words resonated within me, being the impressionable freshman that I was. I guess in some way they became goals for me, something that I thought I could achieve— to be a scholar and to be a gentleman.

My parents and then later the good Sisters of St. Rita’s School nurtured within me the two most important gifts of my formative years, namely, my Catholic faith and my love of reading and learning. It was during my four years at Archbishop Curley High School that the two aspects of my life were developed further—the one academic and the other spiritual—especially by the examples of the Franciscan friars. I graduated not only with my high school diploma but also with a desire to become a friar.

The August after my graduation, I joined other young men for a year of novitiate.

At the end of that year, I professed simple vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Soon afterwards I began my studies at the Conventual Franciscan St. Hyacinth College and Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts.

Four years later I graduated with a BA in philosophy and soon after professed my solemn vows as a Conventual Franciscan.

As a religious brother who had an interest in books and libraries, it was decided that I should obtain a Master of Science degree in library science. I began my studies at the Catholic University of America. Actually I began my studies there the very month that I had graduated from St. Hyacinth’s. After five semesters I received my MSLS degree.

Eventually, I was appointed as librarian back at St. Hyacinth’s—a ministry I lovingly fulfilled for the next nineteen years.

Libraries have always been part of my ministry in one form or another -- for a short time I was the librarian at Curley. The library back then—before the renovations— was located where the present Fitness Center is. Changes are pretty constant throughout life. Presently, I am the senior cataloger at Mullen Library at the Catholic University of America. I have been here for more than ten years. I live on campus in a residence called—would you believe it?—Curley Hall.

In May 2016 I will be celebrating my fiftieth reunion with the Curley Class of ’66. Where has the time gone? Also, soon after that, I will be celebrating fifty years again. This time it is the fiftieth anniversary of my religious profession as a Conventual Franciscan. Of course, there have been ups and downs. However, reflecting back, those pivotal moments in my life have made me into the person that I am today. For that I am most grateful for all those that have played a part in my development.

In closing I would like to share the following words to ponder: the past is history; the future is mystery; and the present is a gift.

With these words of wisdom I wish you peace and every good thing to you and to yours.

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FINDING FRANCIS

By Jeremy Joseph ’96 & Greg Malanowski ’70

As a Franciscan Catholic high school,

Curley is intimately tied to the charism of its patron, St. Francis of Assisi. To this end, Archbishop Curley set out upon the new school year by proclaiming the theme of “Finding Francis.” This slogan connects members of the Curley Family to the school’s traditions, and also calls each individual into action.

When the message was shared with the faculty and staff during the opening meetings of the year, those gathered were asked to reflect on ways they find Francis at Curley – in prayer and reflection, in their colleagues, and in the students. Students were asked to do the same during the opening school liturgy.

In subsequent community prayer sessions held during homeroom, the theme has been reiterated.

One finds Francis at Curley through art and images but Francis most noticeably comes alive in the daily activity of the school. Prayer is central to our school day as it was for Francis. The day, and each class period, begins with prayer. Celebrations of the Liturgy – especially on his October 4th feast day – include messages of Franciscan spirituality.

His influence, though, is also visible when faith is put into action in service of others.

The man who famously embraced the leper challenges us to collect food, clothing, and toys for the poor, as the student body does each year. As one who surrounded himself with his brother friars, Francis motivates the Curley community to make this the place “Where Brotherhood Begins.” Yet, Francis would not be pleased with us searching for him, because he viewed himself as a conduit through which others experienced the love of Jesus.

The trick, therefore, is that if others are to find Francis in this place, then we are called to BE Francis. It is challenging to articulate the spirit of Francis. In many ways it is something one has to experience to understand. That is consistent with how the saint encouraged 10

people to learn about Christ. After all, he gave us the first celebration of the live nativity so that people who lived a thousand years after Jesus was born could see, feel, and smell what that holy night must have been like. He was a man who instructed his followers to “preach the Gospel using words only when necessary.”

When actions speak louder than words, it is tough to capture the nature of a man for posterity.

Francis of Assisi’s call to imitate Christ is echoed by Pope Francis, who is capturing the essence of his namesake by allowing his actions to speak loudly. In late September the attention of the nation settled on Washington D.C., New York and Philadelphia as the pontiff conducted his first apostolic visit to the United States. As Fr. Donald told local reporters seeking a Franciscan perspective on the visit, “Pope Francis is a very popular figure. He challenges each of us. He challenges us as religious, he challenges us as priests, he challenges us as Catholics. And that’s really a good thing,” While Fr. Donald, along with Frs. Matt and Peter, concelebrated the Papal Liturgy at Catholic University, the Friars were not the only members of the Curley community to see Pope Francis during this time. Fr. Matt, through the Franciscan Youth Ministry program, organized a bus trip to Philadelphia for students to participate in the Pope’s final liturgy of the visit. He was accompanied by 40 Curley men and a number of faculty members. “The trip to Philadelphia was a long day with a great amount of walking and standing in line, but it was all worth it,” recounts senior Elton Schwartz, one of the students who found Francis in Philly.

“Being able to see the Pope drive by me was a moment in my life that I will never forget.” But it doesn’t stop there, “The most meaningful part of the trip was celebrating Mass with Pope Francis. It was a different experience having Mass with the Pope, being outside, and being around so many people I didn’t know. But, everyone was so passionate and focused during Mass, which was a very heart-warming moment as a Catholic.”

The Pope’s ministry has captured the spirit of St. Francis and is defining in real time what it means to be Franciscan.

In addition to pointing to the lessons taught by the Holy Father, Archbishop Curley has articulated what it means to be a Franciscan School by proclaiming five ideals that express

our Franciscan dimension. These are derived from the teaching and example of St. Francis as modeled by the Friars who have staffed the school from its inception.

story was a true education for us.” Many respondents chose professions that include an outreach to the marginalized: police officer, social justice minister, psychologist, principal.

Several months ago, we reached out to the Curley Family and asked in a survey, “Which Franciscan Ideal resonates with you the most?” Describing the meaning of these ideals are the anonymous voices of alumni, current students, parents and faculty/staff.

There is another way of looking at this ideal.

“I have Asperger’s so I know what it is like to be outcast, isolated. Curley strengthened my stance for compassion. Those who reached out to me were able to recognize someone in need and became my close friends…not just friends, but family. The Curley Family.” The marginalized are not always “out there” but sometimes close at hand.

Dedication to Christ in the Church Many responded that Dedication to Christ in the Church is the primary ideal and encompasses the others. “If our young men are dedicated to Christ in the Church they cannot help but strive to be Christ-like in areas as community outreach, environmental concerns and conflict resolution. Christ’s Church is not just a building but a way of life.”

Another shared: “My Franciscan education helped me to be a man of Christ and a success in life. The attention from the Friars taught me to be a man…and their devotion to Christ and community rubbed off on the lay teachers and personnel as well…”

Strong Community Relations “Each of us, as humans, is connected and our journeys are similar.” “The Friars taught me that community can be as small as your group of friends or as large as the Church.”

The importance of community is modeled and taught at Curley and is felt by those who enter our doors. “I love the community atmosphere at Curley. It was one of the main reasons I wanted my son to go there. The faculty and staff support the boys in class and in after school activities. They also get to know the parents and support them.”

This is part of the student experience. “Our motto is ‘Where Brotherhood Begins.’

As Curley students I believe it is our responsibility to uphold that motto by building strong relationships.”

Outreach to the Marginalized Reaching out to others is what St. Francis did, especially to the marginalized. Recall how his kissing of a leper changed his life.

Curley provides the students opportunities for service, especially to the poor. “My son and I volunteered at a Carrington House Dinner (a program for recovering addicts). I don’t know which one of us was changed more by the experience. Meeting these men who were turning their lives around and hearing their

Concern for the Environment St. Francis’ love for all creatures, as expressed in his Canticle of the Creatures, has become current through the recent encyclical, Laudato Si, of Pope Francis. “We are stewards of the earth, and we need to keep her well.”

This is not just for ourselves, but “for future generations.”

St. Francis called elements of the environment his “brothers and sisters,” and this made care for the environment very personal. “Taking care of the earth is taking care of our home.”

At Curley we take care of our “home” by recycling, by planting trees, by picking up trash and by treating the environment we have been given with respect.

Peaceful Resolution of Conflict “In a world of conflict and violence, a peaceful approach would solve many problems.” How difficult it is to put this into practice, especially in a school of over five hundred teenagers. “Finding a peaceful resolution to conflict requires restraint, maturity and often sacrifice.” Character and responsibility are essential in the growth of a Curley Man. “My favorite prayer begins, ‘Lord make me an instrument of your peace.’” This is a lofty ideal to which members of the Curley Family are encouraged to aspire.

“Peaceful resolution is not only related to external conflicts but to internal struggles as well. Learning how to make peace with situations over which you have no control and learning the difference between that and situations you can control is crucial.”

By focusing on these five ideals, Archbishop Curley promotes the Franciscan way of spreading the Gospel of Jesus. We hope that in these halls people will find Francis, and we pray that those who do will carry him with them wherever they may go.

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Preserving the Past

By Fr. Donald Grzymski ’70

“September 6, 1961: First official day of school of the 420 students enrolled, only one student was absent on this Opening Day.” Thus reads an entry made by the principal in a journal that runs between July 3, 1961 and September 5, 1972, now kept in the School Archives. Such journals

were customary in many religious houses and institutions, and slowly disappeared as more materials were printed and copies kept for posterity. As in most schools, such items make their way to whatever serves as an archive.

Telling Archbishop Michael J. Curley’s Story As the only institution in the Archdiocese named for Baltimore’s tenth archbishop, numerous portraits and artifacts relating to Archbishop Michael J. Curley have made their way to the school. Now, through a series of framed photographs a bit more of Curley’s life can be seen in the school Conference Room. Did you know Curley was an Irish missionary priest, served as Bishop of St. Augustine in Florida before coming to Baltimore, welcomed the future Pope Pius XII to the City, and also served as the first Archbishop of Washington? Next time at Curley, visit the Conference Room and learn more about the school’s interesting namesake.

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After years of being relegated to closet storage, the Curley Archives today occupies a basement room in the Holthaus Center, and includes everything from student handbooks to yearbooks, play programs to graduation items. For almost two years now Neil Gittings ’70 has been volunteering his time to put order into the collections, and to document what has been archived. Gittings notes, “Much has been accomplished so far in organizing and cataloguing the memorabilia in Curley’s archives, but there is so much more that can be done to enable convenient access to materials in the collection and preserve them for the future.”

A challenge of any archives is obtaining noteworthy items that should be retained, and then preserving them from damage and deterioration. Thus the current location is ideal as it is temperature controlled with no external windows, and also uses file folders and storage boxes that are acid free. A secondary challenge is organizing so that an item can be found when needed for research or display.

The Curley Archives now includes a box for every academic year that contains memorabilia from graduation, proms, sports, fine arts and other student activities.

A whole series of scrapbooks contain articles clipped from Baltimore newspapers by Fr. Paul Kasprzak, the first and long-serving librarian. Curley baseball has extensive

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coverage since long-time Coach Al Frank kept almost everything, and it has been given to the school by his widow, Mrs. Mary Frank Beasley. There are also a variety of photo and slide collections, as well as audio and video materials on reels and cassettes.

Thus, a related challenge for an archive is to maintain equipment to access such items, or to transfer them to a contemporary format.

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Like any school, there are numerous historic items around the building, from photographs to collections of yearbooks and event glassware. There are also items that make their way to the archives like the trowel used by Cardinal Shehan to lay the cornerstone on April 17, 1962, a variety of Curley student, athlete and fan clothing, and school rings and pins that have been donated by graduates or family members.

The school is also a repository of many items related to Archbishop Michael J. Curley, not only as the school’s namesake but also as the only institution in the Archdiocese named for him. This includes a variety of photographs and portraits, his coat of arms in stained glass and marble, as well as a comb, hairbrush, pens and letter opener that belonged to him.

Now, when new materials arrive after a school event they are registered and placed in the proper storage location for easy future access. Protocols continue to be developed for the use and display of archived items. “One can’t keep everything that arrives, often because there are already several copies of a particular item,” Gittings observes. “There are also controls on what leaves the room, and generally speaking it is only a copy of the original. However, for recognized displays original items are essential to tell the story.”

The school is certainly grateful to all those who stored items over the years, creating the nucleus of today’s archives, and to Neil Gittings for his service in organizing the thousands of items that comprise the collection. The Curley story can now be told in many ways thanks to all that has been stored for posterity.

Do you have unique Curley items you would like to donate to the Archives? The School will be delighted to accept items that can be added to the Archive Collection and help future generations understand the school’s history. For additional information contact the Advancement Office.

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8 1. A sample of Blackfriars’ Theatre production programs

coverage of the dedication ceremony in 1962

2. Principal’s daily log book maintained 5. A scholastic letter and school spirit pin from 1961-1972 by Frs. Rufus, Aloysius, 6. Baseballs signed by three of Coach Al Robert, and David Frank’s championship teams 3. A page from that log book featuring the 7. A Curley Soccer team jacket names of the lay faculty for 1963-1964 8. Personal effects of Archbishop 4. Fr. Paul Kasprzak’s school scrapbook Michael J. Curley featuring invitations and newspaper 13

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A successful day for Curley soccer . . .

15 Homecoming 2015, held on October 24th, was one of the biggest in school history. In addition to the annual soccer and football games, there were two special ceremonies that took place.

Prior to kick-off was a groundbreaking for the new synthetic turf field that will be installed in the bowl and at halftime the inaugural class was inducted into Curley’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Making the day even more enjoyable were two Friar victories over St. Paul’s. The soccer team scored a late goal to prevail 1-0 and football recorded a convincing 28-3 win. The pre-Homecoming party at Della Rose’s on Friday night was well attended by many alumni, alumni parents, and friends of the school.

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1st Class Inducted Into ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

By Barry Stitz ’87

The inaugural class was inducted into Curley’s Athletic Hall of Fame at halftime of the Homecoming football game. In addition to the ceremony, a dinner reception was held later in the evening for the members and their families.

Joe Lhotsky ’65

First Curley football player named to All-Maryland football squad. Also received honors on All-MSA, AllCatholic and 1964 Baltimore Sun All-Prep Eleven Teams.

4-year letterman at Clemson, selected as AllSouth Carolina State and All-Atlantic Coast Conference picks.

Richard “Coach” Patry

Football coach at Curley, beginning with Freshman team, Varsity coach from 1966-82 amassed 78 wins.

Catholic League champion in 1977. Also coached freshman and JV basketball, and taught physical education for 39 years.

Pictured l to r: Joe Lhotsky, Coach Patry, Dr. Bill Kelley, Mario Scilipoti, Bill Walter, Mrs. Frank Beasley, Gene Hoffman, the family of Tim Brannan, David Amend, and the family of Pep Perrella

David Amend ’83

3 years varsity football, AllMetro, All-MSA, and honorable mention All-American.

Wrestling champion in MSA, and chosen All-Metro. 1983 Fr. Julian Athlete of the Year. 4-year letterman at the University of Maryland.

Timothy C. Brannan ’68

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2 years on varsity football, selected to All-MSA first team.

Also a standout in wrestling and lacrosse. 1968 Curley Athlete of the Year. Played football at Maryland, and 1973 Male Athlete of the Year. Brief stint in the NFL before 2 seasons in the World Football League.

Albert E. Frank

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First baseball coach at Curley, beginning in 1963 and continuing 41 years, winning 546 games and 6 conference championships. 2-time Baltimore Sun All-Metro Coach of the Year. Named to the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1997.

Gene Hoffman ’69

A track standout at Curley and Towson, holding records at each. Post-college has numerous AAU, Masters and Senior Olympic championships. 41 years as Curley’s cross country, indoor track and track & field coach, with over 30 championships, Baltimore Sun Coach of the Year 6 times and the MIAA Track Championship trophy named for him.

Dr. Bill Kelly ’66

First Curley baseball player to receive All-MSA and AllCatholic honors (2 years), and first Curley grad to be drafted

by Major League Baseball (June 1966), eventually playing 4 years with Baltimore Orioles farm system.

First chiropractor named to U.S. Olympic team medical staff, and has served as chiropractor for the PGA tour.

Thomas “Pep” Perrella ’70

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Scored winning goal in 1968 MSA soccer title game for Curley’s first varsity championship, and also played on the 1970 baseball championship team. Continued as soccer player at Loyola College. As coach led Curley varsity soccer to 3 championships and several runner-up finishes.

Mario Scilipoti ’75

Earned 10 varsity letters in 4 sports (soccer, football, basketball, baseball), earning All-MSA honors in soccer and All-Catholic in baseball.

First recipient of the Fr. Julian Athlete of the Year award in 1975. Inducted into Loyola College Athletic and Maryland Soccer Halls of Fame. Athletic Director, coach and teacher at Curley in 1980s.

Bill Walter ’69

First Curley basketball player to score 1000 points, and received All-Catholic and All-MSA honors in basketball and baseball. Continued as a stand-out athlete at Loyola College, being an All-Mason Dixon selection, and receiving Mohler Trophy in senior year for excellence in scholarship and athletics.

To nominate an individual for the Curley Athletic Hall of Fame download the information sheet at www.archbishopcurley.org/athletics/athletichalloffame or contact the Advancement Office.

To be considered for the Class of 2016, nominations must be submitted by March 1, 2016

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ALUMNInews

Class of 1971

Class of 1972

Mike D’Adamo was inducted into the Maryland Soccer Hall of Fame.

After spending 37 years in the food industry, Orest Hanas retired from McCormick & Company. He worked at McCormick for 33 years.

Class of 2003

Class of 1972 Gerry DiBartolo coached his final game as head coach of Salisbury University’s men’s soccer team. This season, Gerry coached the team to their first Capital Athletic Conference Championship since 2008. He will continue to act as Salisbury’s interim Athletic Director.

Three members of the Class of 2003 celebrated their newborns. L-R: Nick Williams, with Brayden and Beckham, Nick Rajewski with Oliver, and Gerard Waldt with Riley.

Class of 2006 John (JB) Blair and his wife Maria welcomed a baby boy, Luca Nicholas, on August 6, 2015. He weighed 7lbs., 5 oz.

Class of 1976

Class of 2000

James Clifford was recently installed as the Advocate of the Georgia State Council, Knights of Columbus and became a member of the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus Charities of Georgia.

There are over 17,000 Knights of Columbus in Georgia. Georgia is the fifth largest growing US state in the Knights over the last two years.

Garry Thaniel became the new CEO of ONA Bags on November 9, 2015. He is very excited to have the opportunity to lead a brand that he has admired for quite some time. Their offices are located in Soho, New York City.

Class of 1988 Pete Eibner was named The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Coach of the Year for soccer. Eibner helped guide Perry Hall to the school’s first-ever state championship in soccer.

Class of 1996 Jeremy Joseph and his wife Angela are proud to announce the birth of their fourth son, Paul Anthony, on September 25, 2015.

Class of 1990 Charles Wilson officially retired from the Marine Corps as of May 1, 2015 after nearly 25 years of service.

He begins his new career as a Logistics Management Specialist at the Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Georgia.

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Rafe Park is engaged to Allison Rich, and the couple is planning a June wedding.

Since 2013, Rafe has served Archbishop Curley High School as the Director of Alumni and as a member of the English Department.

Class of 2009 Ben Kimbel married Ashley Canter on May 24, 2015. Tommy Kimbel ’06 served as Ben’s Best Man. Ben is employed by the Baltimore County Fire Department and Ashley works at Upper Chesapeake Hospital. The couple honeymooned in Jamaica and reside in Dundalk with their dog, Max. Faculty/Staff

Class of 1999 Chris Schanberger and his wife Julie announce the birth of their first child Drew Anthony Schanberger on October 4, 2015.

Fr. Herman Czaster, OFM Conv. and Fr. Alexander Cymerman, OFM Conv., both of whom were on Curley’s faculty from 1964-73, celebrated the 50th anniversary of their priesthood ordination on June 17, 2015. Fr. Herman lives at the St. Adalbert Friary in Elmhurst, NY and Fr. Alex resides at the Franciscan Novitiate in Mishawaka, Indiana.

ALUMNInews

Class of 2006

ALUMNI NEWS UPDATE

TJ McCarthy married Lisa Katchan (MHS Class of 2006) on September 5th at St. Stephen’s Church in Kingsville. The couple resides in Bel Air, MD. Pictured with TJ, are five of his six groomsmen, who all graduated from Curley in 2006 L-R: Andy Fiske, Stephen Baxter, Rafe Park, TJ McCarthy, Mike Zimmerman, and Mike Supik.

Please send news about yourself, family and classmates to Alumni Office, Archbishop Curley High School 3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore, MD 21213 or email: alumni@archbishopcurley.org

Class of 2012 Rob Pavlik is a senior at West Virginia University, scheduled to graduate this spring. Rob was an outstanding volleyball player at Curley, twice earning AllConference recognition. At West Virginia Rob has been part of the WVU National Club Volleyball program. He has been a starter since sophomore year and his club has been ranked in the Top Ten Nationally the last 2 years. They compete with the top Division I schools such as Penn State, Maryland, Virginia and many others.

Avery Williams had an outstanding season playing linebacker for the Temple University football team. The Owls finished the regular season ranked #24 in the Associated Press and College Football Playoff rankings.

Temple faced off against Toledo in the Boca Raton Bowl.

Class of 2013 Nik D’Avanzo was named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference in football. D’Avanzo and the New Mexico Lobos played Arizona in the New Mexico Bowl played on December 19th.

Class of 2015 Deonte Harris was named to the New England Football Writers Division II/III All-New England Team for his play in the 2015 season. Harris finished as Assumption College’s leading receiver with 82 receptions as he piled up 824 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for the year.

Rest in Peace Leokadia Adamczyk, mother of Michael ’76 and Paul ’78 + Philip Amrhein, Sr., father of Philip Jr. ’65 + M. Dawson Ball, father of Michael ’06 + Armen Bangert, mother of Joseph ’71, Michael ’73 and +Daniel ’76 + Edward Bartosz, father of Joseph ’74 + Joseph Bernard, Jr., father of Joseph Bernard, III ’72 + John Bielski, Jr. ’82 + Eugene Bonner, father of Michael ’76 and Timothy ’83 + Christine Brooks, wife of Stephen ’76 and former staff member + Charles Buettner ’70 + Thomas Davis, father of Kevin ’71 and Glenn ’73 + Fr. Linus DeSantis, OFM Conv. + Paul Dlabich, father of Christopher ’87 + Michael Egbert ’94 + Anna Evanko, mother of George ’75 + George “Buddy” Finke, Jr. ’76 + William Grace, Jr., father of Robert ’80, Michael ’84 and Steven ’85, grandfather of Justin ’18 + Leonard Hilliard ’70 + Anna Karsner, mother of Joseph ’75 and Michael ’76 + Evelyn Kondilas, mother of Philip ’69, grandmother of Gregory ’98, Jason ’00 and Matthew ’04 + Melvin Kulbicki ’66 + Josephine Malicki, mother of Michael ’74 and Steven ’79 +

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Diane Martino, wife of Michael ’68 Donald Mason ’73 + Mary Elizabeth Nittinger, mother of Melvin ’75 and Thomas ’79 + Joseph Papparotto, Sr., father of Joseph Jr. ’79 and Russell ’80, grandfather of Robert Kenly ’16 + Sophia Pedzich, mother of Thaddeus ’82 and grandmother of Thaddeus ’18 + Henry “Lee” Persing ’85 + Raymond Peters, father of Thomas ’72 and Edward ’80, father-in-law of George Maex ’76 and Chris Baldwin ’78, grandfather of Edward Shipley ’92, David Shipley ’98, Steven Maex ’06 and Craig Baldwin ’11 + Cynthia Quill, wife of Brian ’73 + Bronson Shanahan, father of Bronson ’76, Michael ’78 and Timothy ’80, grandfather of Patrick ’02 + Joseph Santavenere, father of Vincent ’67 and +Paul ’72 + Lawrence J. Smith, Jr., father of Lawrence J. Smith, III ’76 + Brian Tiesi ’04 + Anthony Trachta ’67 + Joseph F. Warga ’67, father of Justin ’99 and Jeremy ’04 + Mary Jane Wittstadt, mother of Martin ’78 and Michael ’81 + Harry Wujek, Jr., father of Harry J. Sr. ’76 and Steven ’79, grandfather of Harry J. Jr. ’09 + Mary Zorn, mother of Dennis ’68 +

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SPORTSshorts

Football & Soccer Advance to MIAA Championship Games Curley football defeated Boys Latin 16-3 in the MIAA semifinals to earn a shot at undefeated John Carroll in the league championship game. After falling behind by two touchdowns in the first quarter, the team battled back and trailed by only six at halftime, 20-14. Curley eventually fell 35-14 but walked off the field with their heads high after another outstanding season.

Friars Return to the Ice Led by Head Coach Jim Stone ’83, Curley is fielding an ice hockey team for the first time since 2009. The 13 player squad is playing a non-league schedule before officially rejoining the MIAA next season.

Home games are being played at Ice World in Abingdon.

Riding an eight game winning streak, which included playoff wins over St. Paul’s and Calvert Hall, Curley’s soccer team faced off against McDonogh in the title game with a lot of confidence. After taking the early lead, the squad conceded two goals late in the first half and fell 2-1. The Friars finished the season with a 17-9 record and a #2 ranking in both the Baltimore Sun and Varsity Sports Network polls.

Freshman Shane Stone tends the net.

Pulliam Named All-American & Player of the Year

Congratulations to the following student-athletes for their All- MIAA Selections:

Soccer Tre Pulliam* Nick Richardson* Dylan Holy Volleyball Chris Roberts Football Rodney Petitt Jake Brown Larry Thompson Brian Smith Theo Devine David Wilson* Vinnie Shaffer

Cross Country Nathan Jecelin * Also Baltimore Sun All-Metro Selection 18

Miscellaneous Notes Runners Nate Jecelin ’17 (5th) and Mac Colomb ’17 (8th) finished in the Top 10 at the MIAA Cross Country Championships.

Sophomore Trevor Mavrohimous successfully kicked a 50 yard field goal in the JV football championship game.

Congratulations to Senior baseball player Damond Nixon on being nominated as a 2016 Under Armour Pre-Season All-American.

Senior forward Tre Pulliam was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

He was also selected as the All-Metro Player of the Year by The Baltimore Sun. Pulliam, who will be attending UMBC next fall, scored 29 goals and added 10 assists. He finishes his career at Curley as the second leading goal scorer (74 goals) in school history behind Giuliano Celenza ’97.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6354 BALTIMORE, MD

Advancement Office 3701 Sinclair Lane Baltimore, MD 21213-2079 (410) 485-5000 Fax: (410) 485-1090 www.archbishopcurley.org Address Service Requested

Join us for these upcoming events: FEB 20

Alumni Shrimp Feast 7 p.m. Gym

MAY 7

Spring Choral Concert and Art Show 7 p.m. Auditorium

MAR 5

All That Curley Jazz 7 p.m. Student Dining Room

MAY 13

Spring Instrumental Concert and Art Show 8 p.m. Auditorium

MAR 11-13

Blackfriars’ Theatre Presents Godspell

JUN 7

Targarona Memorial Golf Tournament 1:30 p.m. Sparrows Point CC

MAR 19

GALA XXI Dinner/Auction 6 p.m. Athletic Wing

To learn more and to purchase tickets for Curley’s special events, please visit http://www.archbishopcurley.org/calendar/specialevents Not receiving Alumni Notifications? Send your email address to gmalanowski@archbishopcurley.org